It was a solid start for J.T. Tuimoloau in his NFL preseason debut. The former Ohio State defensive end recorded two tackles, two tackles for loss, a strip-sack, two quarterback hits, and a pass breakup.
However, Tuimoloau left the game in the second half with a knee injury and was ruled out for the rest of the game. The severity of the injury is unknown at the time of publication.
Tuimoloau was selected in the second round, No. 45 overall, in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts after spending four years with the Buckeyes, including winning a national championship as a senior.
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Coming out of Eastside Catholic High School in Sammamish, Washington, Tuimoloau was the top-ranked defensive end and the No. 2 overall player in the 2021 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports rankings. Tuimoloau waited to make his commitment until he could take his official visits, following the NCAA's rule changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He announced his decision to commit to the Scarlet and Gray on July 4, 2021, over other finalists, including Alabama, Oregon, USC and Washington.
Just over a week after his announcement, Tuimoloau was on campus and enrolled at Ohio State, participating in the start of fall camp less than a month later. He quickly earned a rotational role on the Buckeye defensive line alongside Zach Harrison, Tyreke Smith and Javontae Jean-Baptiste. Tuimoloau finished his freshman season with 17 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and one pass defended.
Despite the return of Harrison and Jean-Baptiste in 2022, Tuimoloau stood out as the Scarlet and Gray's top defensive end as a sophomore, playing the most snaps at the position. He had a standout season, recording 28 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, four passes defended, two interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery, earning him a first-team All-Big Ten selection. The 2022 season included Tuimoloau's memorable performance in a win against Penn State, where he tallied six total tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, forced and recovered a fumble, and intercepted two passes, returning the second for a touchdown.
Tuimoloau was Ohio State's top defensive end once again in 2023 and played at a high level. He finished the year with a career-high 34 total tackles, six tackles for loss, four sacks, two passes defended and one fumble recovery. Tuimoloau made two key plays late in the close win against Notre Dame, recording a tackle for loss and knocking down a pass to help the Buckeye offense regain possession. After the season, Tuimoloau was named first-team All-Big Ten by both the conference's coaches and the media.
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Following the 2023 season, Tuimoloau joined many of his classmates in returning for their senior years. The defensive end had the best season of his college career, leading the Scarlet and Gray in tackles for a loss (22) and sacks (12.6). Tuimoloau also recorded 61 total tackles, three passes defended, and two forced fumbles. He played a key role in strengthening Ohio State's dominant defense during the College Football Playoff, with 23 total tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, and 4.5 sacks. Additionally, Tuimoloau was named first-team All-Big Ten for the third time in his Buckeye career.
The Colts hope Tuimoloau's injury isn't serious and that the rookie can return to play soon.